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Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the general formula of a carbohydrate?
A
C_nH_{2n}O_{2n}
B
C_n(H_2O)_n
C
C_nH_{2n}O_n
D
C_nH_nO_{2n}
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the general formula of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms. Their general formula is often expressed as C_n(H_2O)_n, indicating that they are hydrates of carbon.
Step 2: Analyze the given options. The problem provides four formulas: C_nH_{2n}O_{2n}, C_n(H_2O)_n, C_nH_{2n}O_n, and C_nH_nO_{2n}. You need to determine which one correctly represents the general formula of carbohydrates.
Step 3: Compare the formulas to the known carbohydrate structure. The formula C_n(H_2O)_n explicitly shows that for every carbon atom, there is one water molecule (H_2O) associated, which aligns with the definition of carbohydrates as hydrates of carbon.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, C_nH_{2n}O_{2n} suggests twice as many oxygen atoms as carbon atoms, which does not match the typical carbohydrate structure. Similarly, C_nH_{2n}O_n and C_nH_nO_{2n} do not align with the hydrate of carbon concept.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct formula is C_n(H_2O)_n, as it accurately represents the general structure of carbohydrates.